It could barely be tighter in Group G as Slovenia and Israel are locked on eight points after five games. Both teams need the points when they meet on Monday to keep the pressure on Austria who currently occupy second spot.

Slovenia Preview – Can Slovenia take advantage of excellent win over Poland by following up here?

This was always going to be a crucial double-header for Slovenia and their hopes of making it to next year’s finals. Two home games against other nations also with that objective meant they were in for two difficult challenges. They will be delighted with how they are placed at the halfway mark. Friday night was a massive game in their hopes of qualifying after beating Poland 2-0 at home. Considering their opponents were coming into the game with a 100% record and at the top of the group, it was a surprising and timely victory. Goals from Aljaz Struna and Andra Sporar handed them their second three points of the group after what was a slow start. Slovenia had opened their campaign with a draw away to Israel, following it up with another share of the points at home to North Macedonia.

At that point, qualification would have looked difficult and that looked even more to be the case when losing in Austria. A resounding win away to Latvia and that victory over Poland has them right back in the mix and another three points would cap of a brilliant international break for Matjaz Kek’s men. It would take them three points clear of Israel and a chance of gaining points on Austria who travel to leaders Poland on the same evening.

Israel Preview – The Israelis would have been disappointed with their last game – can they get three points here?

There will be a feeling of frustration amongst the Israeli squad heading into this important clash with Slovenia. Having started qualification so well with seven points from three games they have since taken a point from two matches. That 1-1 draw with Slovenia was not ideal but two really good wins against Austria and Latvia meant they were well placed in the early stages. The 4-2 win over Austria, particularly, would have given them confidence. Going away to Poland was always likely to be difficult and so it proved when going down 4-0. It was a game they would have not been expecting much but the manner of defeat was disappointing.

Andreas Herzog would have been targeting all three points at home to North Macedonia on Thursday, however, so to only get a draw is a setback. Eran Zahavi scored his eighth goal of qualification so far in what has been an incredible campaign. Two hat-tricks already have the striker out alone as top scorer in the whole of qualification. The game against Poland is the only match he’s failed to score in so far and Herzog will be looking to his striker for another big performance tomorrow.

Key-Facts – Slovenia v Israel

Slovenia have got their qualifying campaign back on track after two straight wins, once of which was against leaders Poland on Friday

Israel come into this on the back of a poor result and will be looking to avoid defeat at a minimum

Nobody has scored more goals than Eran Zahavi who has managed eight in five games so far

Slovenia v Israel Betting Advice

Should Poland return to winning ways (and they are expected to at home) then any winner of this game would go into second spot with four games to go. Psychologically that would be massive but there would still be plenty of football to be played. A draw would not be a disaster for either of the teams but with Slovenia being at home they will feel it’s a big opportunity. Their visitors would likely be happy with a point but also determined to make up for that disappointing result at home on Thursday.

There have been plenty of goals scored in this section so far with both these teams on nine goals. Slovenia have been far better defensively, though, conceding three to their opponents eight. There was little between the teams in their first meeting when drawing 1-1. I anticipate this will be a similar game but under the circumstances, both teams to score looks a good bet.

Four of Israel’s last six games and five of Slovenia’s last eight have ended this way. It looks a solid selection once again.

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